Residence question

[Paul_Light 3]

Dear All

I'm currently in the U.S. on the VWP and due to leave end of October.

We are filing for the K1 visa.

In the meantime I've been calculating the cost of my gf visiting the U.K., buying a car, renting accomdation etc. etc.

Due to having a temporary job requirement my potential earnings wouldn't be that great and, by the time I pay all living expenses etc, there wouldn't be much left.

So, I'm thinking of moving to Mexico for the length of time the visa takes to process. My gf would be able to visit easier, I couldn't work but I can rent somewhere for around $800 per month.

Obviously, I would have to fly to London for my interview.

Anyone have any comments on this?

Paul

[no name 1]

well, you can find cheap accom. in London, just out a bit, like zone 2 or 3. And there's no need for a car.

Your call but it seems you'd make better $$ in England.

[Yodrak 7]

Paul,

Sounds like a great extended vacation!

What are the other living costs in addition to housing? (Life can get more expensive than anticipated when one has nothing to do with their time but sleep and spend money.)

Yodrak

Dear All

I'm currently in the U.S. on the VWP and due to leave end of October.

We are filing for the K1 visa.

In the meantime I've been calculating the cost of my gf visiting the U.K., buying a car, renting accomdation etc. etc.

Due to having a temporary job requirement my potential earnings wouldn't be that great and, by the time I pay all living expenses etc, there wouldn't be much left.

So, I'm thinking of moving to Mexico for the length of time the visa takes to process. My gf would be able to visit easier, I couldn't work but I can rent somewhere for around $800 per month.

Obviously, I would have to fly to London for my interview.

Anyone have any comments on this?

Paul

[kitkat1 5]

I'm confused - are you talking about the costs of living for you to return to the UK (as well as the costs for her to come visit you)? I guess I also don't understand what you wrote about a temporary job requirement.

On living in Mexico temporarily during the visa processing (6 months??), it doesn't seem like it would affect anything involved in the I-129F process. As you said, you'll return to London for the interview.

However, $800 US a month for an apartment is outrageous unless you are talking about a large, beautifully furnished apartment in the most exclusive neighborhood in Mexico City.

You should also consider that you will need a tourist visa upon entry into Mexico. Most people are automatically given 90 days - you'll have to ask for more and hope that they give you the max. If not, you'll need to get an extension (which is generally no big deal).

Just out of curiosity - where would you be in Mexico and what would you do with your time there?

[Paul_Light 3]

I'm confused - are you talking about the costs of living for you to return to the UK (as well as the costs for her to come visit you)? I guess I also don't understand what you wrote about a temporary job requirement.

On living in Mexico temporarily during the visa processing (6 months??), it doesn't seem like it would affect anything involved in the I-129F process. As you said, you'll return to London for the interview.

However, $800 US a month for an apartment is outrageous unless you are talking about a large, beautifully furnished apartment in the most exclusive neighborhood in Mexico City.

You should also consider that you will need a tourist visa upon entry into Mexico. Most people are automatically given 90 days - you'll have to ask for more and hope that they give you the max. If not, you'll need to get an extension (which is generally no big deal).

Just out of curiosity - where would you be in Mexico and what would you do with your time there?

I've only been to Mexico on vacation. Cancun (1) and Playa Del Carmen (3).

So, I was thinking of living by the beach for a few months. Although the boredom might get to me. Already I haven't worked since June 2006.

You've made me think.

Perhaps I could rent somewhere more cheaply in Mexico and perhaps learn Spanish while there?

Do you have any suggestions? (it MUST be easy to fly from Dallas, Texas).

The job / economics thing :

I think that, by the time I pay for living expenses etc., I'll be around $1000 per month "up". That's without buying a car and without paying for visits by my gf.

Fortunately I have some savings (but don't want to go through it all) so I do not "have" to work.

Paul

[meauxna 15]

So, I'm thinking of moving to Mexico for the length of time the visa takes to process. My gf would be able to visit easier, I couldn't work but I can rent somewhere for around $800 per month.

Obviously, I would have to fly to London for my interview.

Anyone have any comments on this?

Paul

Sounds lovely; can't you find better rent than that???

Why obvious that you'd have to go to London?

Main concerns: what visa would you use for 'living' in Mexico? (might not really be an issue, depends) and -cost of living. I just came back from that area and found the costs to have gone off the charts. There are lots cheaper places to live in Mexico, and finally, what will you do. It sounds like paradise at the front end, but the Voice of Experience will throw in here: even paradise gets boring.

[mozplay 29]

Have you filed the I-129F yet? If not then I would just say to go back where you can make money. If you filed a while ago then you never know, things could be approved and the way sooner than you think. Regardless, am I correct in thinking that you will have to return to the UK anyway for the interview and medical etc? As well, I have heard that it can take 40+ days to get your police clearance. So these are expenses you will have to incur anyway.

Sorry, I don't see a timeline for you so I'm not too sure about your particular situation. If you fill it in, people may be able to give you more help.

I am in the US now too - same VWP, but am thinking of going back before the 6 month mark is up to earn some money.

Your choice - good luck regardless.

Mo

Edited September 12, 2006 by mozplay

[kitkat1 5]

Perhaps I could rent somewhere more cheaply in Mexico and perhaps learn Spanish while there?

Do you have any suggestions? (it MUST be easy to fly from Dallas, Texas).

I would check into spanish immersion programs if that interests you as well as a homestay with a family. Most schools combine studying with activities and by living with a family your costs are very low while you are helping them. Plus you have the option to participate in many activities without having to arrange them on your own.

If you are just looking to rent a place and hang out for a while, any place away from a beach or a tourist area will cost you less, but without speaking the language it won't be so easy to manage. I think without work or without focused study, you might just lose your mind. . . .

Here's a place to start for spanish immersion - very reputable and well run program:

http://www.amerispan.com/

Good luck

[Paul_Light 3]

Have you filed the I-129F yet? If not then I would just say to go back where you can make money. If you filed a while ago then you never know, things could be approved and the way sooner than you think. Regardless, am I correct in thinking that you will have to return to the UK anyway for the interview and medical etc? As well, I have heard that it can take 40+ days to get your police clearance. So these are expenses you will have to incur anyway.

Sorry, I don't see a timeline for you so I'm not too sure about your particular situation. If you fill it in, people may be able to give you more help.

I am in the US now too - same VWP, but am thinking of going back before the 6 month mark is up to earn some money.

Your choice - good luck regardless.

Mo

Mo

Haven't done the timeline thing. We haven't filed the I129-yet.

With regards to making money I just can't see how with living expenses as they are in the U.K. plus the frequent flights my gf wants to make from Dallas to see me.

What is the 40+ days police clearance that you refer to?

Paul

[meauxna 15]

What is the 40+ days police clearance that you refer to?

Paul

Paul, the UK police certificate that you will need takes 40 days to process.

We did ours from overseas (not in the UK). We also did not interview in the UK--3rd country cases are possible.

[mozplay 29]

As the beneficiary, you will have to get a police certificate (it's a criminal background check) once USCIS approves your petition and the NVC hands it off to the UK consulate. From what I understand.. it can take some time to obtain in the UK.

Mo